Showing papers by "Sichuan University published in 2009"
Maastricht University Medical Centre1, deCODE genetics2, University of California, Los Angeles3, Utrecht University4, University of Oslo5, University of Bonn6, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich7, Copenhagen University Hospital8, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute9, Aarhus University Hospital10, Aarhus University11, University of Iceland12, University of Helsinki13, Bispebjerg Hospital14, Glostrup Hospital15, Heidelberg University16, Semmelweis University17, University of Verona18, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre19, Russian Academy20, University of Valencia21, King's College London22, Royal Cornhill Hospital23, Duke University24, University of Santiago de Compostela25, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón26, Karolinska Institutet27, Hammersmith Hospital28, GlaxoSmithKline29, Sichuan University30
TL;DR: Findings implicating the MHC region are consistent with an immune component to schizophrenia risk, whereas the association with NRGN and TCF4 points to perturbation of pathways involved in brain development, memory and cognition.
Abstract: Schizophrenia is a complex disorder, caused by both genetic and environmental factors and their interactions. Research on pathogenesis has traditionally focused on neurotransmitter systems in the brain, particularly those involving dopamine. Schizophrenia has been considered a separate disease for over a century, but in the absence of clear biological markers, diagnosis has historically been based on signs and symptoms. A fundamental message emerging from genome-wide association studies of copy number variations (CNVs) associated with the disease is that its genetic basis does not necessarily conform to classical nosological disease boundaries. Certain CNVs confer not only high relative risk of schizophrenia but also of other psychiatric disorders. The structural variations associated with schizophrenia can involve several genes and the phenotypic syndromes, or the 'genomic disorders', have not yet been characterized. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based genome-wide association studies with the potential to implicate individual genes in complex diseases may reveal underlying biological pathways. Here we combined SNP data from several large genome-wide scans and followed up the most significant association signals. We found significant association with several markers spanning the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region on chromosome 6p21.3-22.1, a marker located upstream of the neurogranin gene (NRGN) on 11q24.2 and a marker in intron four of transcription factor 4 (TCF4) on 18q21.2. Our findings implicating the MHC region are consistent with an immune component to schizophrenia risk, whereas the association with NRGN and TCF4 points to perturbation of pathways involved in brain development, memory and cognition.
1,625 citations
TL;DR: Analysis of published CI5 data suggests that thyroid cancer rates increased between 1973 and 2002 in most populations worldwide, and that the increase does not appear to be restricted to a particular region of the world or by the underlying rates of thyroid cancer.
Abstract: During the past several decades, an increasing incidence of thyroid cancer has been reported in many parts of the world. To date, no study has compared the trends in thyroid cancer incidence across continents. We examined incidence data from cancer incidence in five continents (CI5) over the 30-year period 1973-2002 from 19 populations in the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Thyroid cancer rates have increased from 1973-1977 to 1998-2002 for most of the populations except Sweden, in which the incidence rates decreased about 18% for both males and females. The average increase was 48.0% among males and 66.7% among females. More recently, the age-adjusted international thyroid cancer incidence rates from 1998 to 2002 varied 5-fold for males and nearly 10-fold for females by geographic region. Considerable variation in thyroid cancer incidence was present for every continent but Africa, in which the incidence rates were generally low. Our analysis of published CI5 data suggests that thyroid cancer rates increased between 1973 and 2002 in most populations worldwide, and that the increase does not appear to be restricted to a particular region of the world or by the underlying rates of thyroid cancer.
621 citations
TL;DR: The results demonstrate the highly organized modular architecture and associated topological properties in the temporal and spatial brain functional networks of the human brain that underlie spontaneous neuronal dynamics, which provides important implications for understanding of how intrinsically coherent spontaneous brain activity has evolved into an optimal neuronal architecture to support global computation and information integration in the absence of specific stimuli or behaviors.
Abstract: The characterization of topological architecture of complex brain networks is one of the most challenging issues in neuroscience. Slow (<0.1 Hz), spontaneous fluctuations of the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal in functional magnetic resonance imaging are thought to be potentially important for the reflection of spontaneous neuronal activity. Many studies have shown that these fluctuations are highly coherent within anatomically or functionally linked areas of the brain. However, the underlying topological mechanisms responsible for these coherent intrinsic or spontaneous fluctuations are still poorly understood. Here, we apply modern network analysis techniques to investigate how spontaneous neuronal activities in the human brain derived from the resting-state BOLD signals are topologically organized at both the temporal and spatial scales. We first show that the spontaneous brain functional networks have an intrinsically cohesive modular structure in which the connections between regions are much denser within modules than between them. These identified modules are found to be closely associated with several well known functionally interconnected subsystems such as the somatosensory/motor, auditory, attention, visual, subcortical, and the “default” system. Specifically, we demonstrate that the module-specific topological features can not be captured by means of computing the corresponding global network parameters, suggesting a unique organization within each module. Finally, we identify several pivotal network connectors and paths (predominantly associated with the association and limbic/paralimbic cortex regions) that are vital for the global coordination of information flow over the whole network, and we find that their lesions (deletions) critically affect the stability and robustness of the brain functional system. Together, our results demonstrate the highly organized modular architecture and associated topological properties in the temporal and spatial brain functional networks of the human brain that underlie spontaneous neuronal dynamics, which provides important implications for our understanding of how intrinsically coherent spontaneous brain activity has evolved into an optimal neuronal architecture to support global computation and information integration in the absence of specific stimuli or behaviors.
597 citations
TL;DR: This study provides quantitative evidence on how the topological organization of brain networks is affected by the different parcellation strategies applied and found that there were significant differences in multiple topological parameters between the two groups of brain functional networks derived from the two atlases.
Abstract: Recent studies have demonstrated small-world properties in both functional and structural brain networks that are constructed based on different parcellation approaches. However, one fundamental but vital issue of the impact of different brain parcellation schemes on the network topological architecture remains unclear. Here, we used resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) to investigate the influences of different brain parcellation atlases on the topological organization of brain functional networks. Whole-brain fMRI data were divided into ninety and seventy regions of interest according to two predefined anatomical atlases, respectively. Brain functional networks were constructed by thresholding the correlation matrices among the parcellated regions and further analyzed using graph theoretical approaches. Both atlas-based brain functional networks were found to show robust small-world properties and truncated power-law connectivity degree distributions, which are consistent with previous brain functional and structural networks studies. However, more importantly, we found that there were significant differences in multiple topological parameters (e.g., small-worldness and degree distribution) between the two groups of brain functional networks derived from the two atlases. This study provides quantitative evidence on how the topological organization of brain networks is affected by the different parcellation strategies applied.
594 citations
TL;DR: Crosstalk between HDAC1/2 and the canonical Wnt signaling pathway mediated by TCF7L2 serves as a regulatory mechanism for oligodendrocyte differentiation.
Abstract: Oligodendrocyte development is regulated by the interaction of repressors and activators in a complex transcriptional network. We found that two histone-modifying enzymes, HDAC1 and HDAC2, were required for oligodendrocyte formation. Genetic deletion of both Hdac1 and Hdac2 in oligodendrocyte lineage cells resulted in stabilization and nuclear translocation of beta-catenin, which negatively regulates oligodendrocyte development by repressing Olig2 expression. We further identified the oligodendrocyte-restricted transcription factor TCF7L2/TCF4 as a bipartite co-effector of beta-catenin for regulating oligodendrocyte differentiation. Targeted disruption of Tcf7l2 in mice led to severe defects in oligodendrocyte maturation, whereas expression of its dominant-repressive form promoted precocious oligodendrocyte specification in developing chick neural tube. Transcriptional co-repressors HDAC1 and HDAC2 compete with beta-catenin for TCF7L2 interaction to regulate downstream genes involved in oligodendrocyte differentiation. Thus, crosstalk between HDAC1/2 and the canonical Wnt signaling pathway mediated by TCF7L2 serves as a regulatory mechanism for oligodendrocyte differentiation.
533 citations
TL;DR: The results indicated that the effect of chitosan coating on fish samples was to retain their good quality characteristics and extend the shelf life during frozen storage, which was supported by the results of microbiological, chemical, and sensory evaluation analyses.
369 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide an insight into some developments in flame retardants for different polymeric materials in China, primarily based on the publications that have appeared in the last 15 years.
Abstract: This paper provides an insight into some developments in flame retardants for different polymeric materials in China, primarily based on the publications that have appeared in the last 15 years. It focuses on the following aspects: halogen-containing flame retardants, inorganic flame retardants (e.g. metal oxides and hydroxides, silicon-containing materials, ammonium polyphosphate, red phosphorus, and expandable graphite), and organic flame retardants (e.g. aliphatic and aromatic phosphonates, nitrogen-containing organics, and multi-element organics). The inherently flame-retardant polymer systems are also reviewed. The exploration of the novel flame retardants and flame-retardant systems provides a powerful basis for the construction of flame-retardant technologies and industrial applications in China. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
361 citations
TL;DR: Manganese doped superparamagnetic iron oxide (Mn-SPIO) nanoparticles were used to form ultrasensitive MRI contrast agents for liver imaging and brought significant liver contrast with signal intensity changes of -80% at 5min after intravenous administration.
329 citations
TL;DR: Due to great thermosensitivity and biodegradability of these copolymers, PECE hydrogel is believed to be promising for in situ gel-forming controlled drug delivery system.
327 citations
TL;DR: Several aspects of PCL-PEG copolymers are introduced, including synthetic chemistry, PCL -PEG micro/nanoparticles,PCL- PEG hydrogels, and physicochemical and toxicological properties.
326 citations
TL;DR: An enhanced password authentication scheme which still keeps the merits of the original scheme was presented and security analysis proved that the improved scheme is more secure and practical.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors found that miR-21 is induced by serum starvation and DNA damage, negatively regulates G1-S transition, and participates in DNA damage-induced G2-M checkpoint through downregulation of Cdc25A.
Abstract: MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that participate in diverse biological processes by suppressing target gene expression. Altered expression of miR-21 has been reported in cancer. To gain insights in its potential role in tumorigenesis, we generated miR-21 knockout colon cancer cells through gene targeting. Unbiased microarray analysis combined with bioinformatics identified cell cycle regulator Cdc25A as a miR-21 target. miR-21 suppressed Cdc25A expression through a defined sequence in its 3′UTR. We found that miR-21 is induced by serum starvation and DNA damage, negatively regulates G1-S transition, and participates in DNA damage-induced G2-M checkpoint through downregulation of Cdc25A. In contrast, miR-21 deficiency did not affect apoptosis induced by a variety of commonly used anticancer agents or cell proliferation under normal cell culture conditions. Furthermore, miR-21 was found to be underexpressed in a subset of Cdc25A overexpressing colon cancers. Our data demonstrated a role of miR-21 in modulating cell cycle progression following stress, providing a novel mechanism of Cdc25A regulation and a potential explanation of miR-21 in tumorigenesis.
TL;DR: A two-step process consisting of pre-esterification and transesterification was developed to produce biodiesel from crude Jatropha curcas L. oil and the yield was higher than 98% in 20 min using 1.3% KOH as catalyst and a molar ratio of methanol to oil 6:1 at 64 °C.
TL;DR: The combined results of this meta-analysis indicate that overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer, and the strength of the association also increases with increasing BMI.
TL;DR: Using over 350,000 genome-wide autosomal SNPs in over 6000 Han Chinese samples from ten provinces of China, this study revealed a one-dimensional "north-south" population structure and a close correlation between geography and the genetic structure of the Han Chinese.
Abstract: Population stratification is a potential problem for genome-wide association studies (GWAS), confounding results and causing spurious associations. Hence, understanding how allele frequencies vary across geographic regions or among subpopulations is an important prelude to analyzing GWAS data. Using over 350,000 genome-wide autosomal SNPs in over 6000 Han Chinese samples from ten provinces of China, our study revealed a one-dimensional "north-south" population structure and a close correlation between geography and the genetic structure of the Han Chinese. The north-south population structure is consistent with the historical migration pattern of the Han Chinese population. Metropolitan cities in China were, however, more diffused "outliers," probably because of the impact of modern migration of peoples. At a very local scale within the Guangdong province, we observed evidence of population structure among dialect groups, probably on account of endogamy within these dialects. Via simulation, we show that empirical levels of population structure observed across modern China can cause spurious associations in GWAS if not properly handled. In the Han Chinese, geographic matching is a good proxy for genetic matching, particularly in validation and candidate-gene studies in which population stratification cannot be directly accessed and accounted for because of the lack of genome-wide data, with the exception of the metropolitan cities, where geographical location is no longer a good indicator of ancestral origin. Our findings are important for designing GWAS in the Chinese population, an activity that is expected to intensify greatly in the near future.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that, unlike FOXO3A, FOXO1A is more closely associated with human female longevity, suggesting that the genetic contribution to longevity trait may be affected by genders.
Abstract: FOXO1A and FOXO3A are two members of the FoxO family. FOXO3A has recently been linked to human longevity in Japanese, German and Italian populations. Here we tested the genetic contribution of FOXO1A and FOXO3A to the longevity phenotype in Han Chinese population. Six tagging SNPs from FOXO1A and FOXO3A were selected and genotyped in 1817 centenarians and younger individuals. Two SNPs of FOXO1A were found to be associated with longevity in women (P = 0.01–0.005), whereas all three SNPs of FOXO3A were associated with longevity in both genders (P = 0.005–0.001). One SNP from FOXO1A was found not to be associated with longevity. In haplotype association tests, the OR (95% CI) for haplotypes TTG and CCG of FOXO1A in association with female longevity were 0.72 (0.58–0.90) and 1.38 (1.08–1.76), P = 0.0033 and 0.0063, respectively. The haplotypes of FOXO3A were associated with longevity in men [GTC: OR (95% CI) = 0.67 (0.51–0.86), P = 0.0014; CGT: OR (95% CI) = 1.48 (1.12–1.94), P = 0.0035] and in women [GTC: OR (95% CI) = 0.75 (0.60–0.94), P = 0.0094; CGT: OR (95% CI) = 1.47 (1.16–1.86), P = 0.0009]. The haplotype association tests were validated by permutation analysis. The association of FOXO1A with female longevity was replicated in 700 centenarians and younger individuals that were sampled geographically different from the original population. Thus, we demonstrate that, unlike FOXO3A, FOXO1A is more closely associated with human female longevity, suggesting that the genetic contribution to longevity trait may be affected by genders.
TL;DR: In this article, a rare earth nucleator was used to generate the rich β-crystalline structure in the compression-molded bars that were fabricated upon different molten temperatures (Tf).
Abstract: It is widely believed that the trigonal β-form is favorable and effective for toughening isotactic polypropylene (iPP). Therefore, β-form content should be achieved as high as possible to realize excellent toughness in iPP. However, in this study, we demonstrate that the connection between crystallites might mainly determine the toughness of iPP instead of the β-crystal content. A new rare earth nucleator (WBG) was used to generate the rich β-crystalline structure in the compression-molded bars that were fabricated upon different molten temperatures (Tf). Interestingly, the increase in tensile elongation can be as large as 8 times for increased Tf. The polymorphic composition and overall crystallinity of β-nucleated iPP are almost independent of Tf. Nevertheless, the β-nucleated crystalline morphology has completely changed. Three types of β-crystalline morphology, namely, β-spherulite, β-transcrystalline entity, and “flower”-like agglomerate of β-crystallites, are sequentially obtained with increasing Tf...
TL;DR: The reaction shows excellent regioselectivity and exhibits good functional group tolerance, and the 8-aryl xanthines exhibit fluorescence in a variety of solvents and show promise as reagents for biological imaging.
Abstract: Die Arylierung von Heterocyclen mit vielfaltigen Arylbromiden beruht auf einer allgemeinen kupferkatalysierten C-H-Bindungsaktivierung (siehe Schema). Die hoch regioselektive Reaktion ist mit vielen funktionellen Gruppen vertraglich. Die 8-Arylxanthinprodukte fluoreszieren in verschiedenen Losungsmitteln und sind aussichtsreich als Reagentien fur die biologische Bildgebung.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed criteria governing the deterioration of rock strength based on energy dissipation and abrupt structural failure of rocks based on the strain energy released in the volume of the rock.
Abstract: The intrinsic relationships between energy dissipation, energy release, strength and abrupt structural failure are key to understanding the evolution of deformational processes in rocks. Theoretical and experimental studies confirm that energy plays an important role in rock deformation and failure. Dissipated energy from external forces produces damage and irreversible deformation within rock and decreases rock strength over time. Structural failure of rocks is caused by an abrupt release of strain energy that manifests as a catastrophic breakdown of the rock under certain conditions. The strain energy released in the rock volume plays a pivotal role in generating this abrupt structural failure in the rocks. In this paper, we propose criteria governing (1) the deterioration of rock strength based on energy dissipation and (2) the abrupt structural failure of rocks based on energy release. The critical stresses at the time of abrupt structural failure under various stress states can be determined by these criteria. As an example, the criteria have been used to analyze the failure conditions of surrounding rock of a circular tunnel.
TL;DR: In this paper, the catalysts were used in the catalytic conversion of glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, achieving a yield of 47.6% within 4h at 403 K over SO 4 2− /ZrO 2 −Al 2 O 3 with Zr−Al mole ratio of 1:1.
TL;DR: The experimental results showed that contents of cellulose, lignin and starch had a significant influence on the mechanical properties of composite films, and the composite films showed relatively excellent mechanical properties in dry and wet states.
TL;DR: It was concluded that nano-hydroxyapatite had the potential to remineralize initial enamel lesions under dynamic pH-cycling conditions, and a concentration of 10% nano-Hydroxyap atite may be optimal for rem ineralization of early enamel caries.
Abstract: The purpose of the research was to determine the effect of nano-hydroxyapatite concentrations on initial enamel lesions under dynamic pH-cycling conditions. Initial enamel lesions were prepared in bovine enamel with an acidic buffer. NaF (positive control), deionized water (negative control) and four different concentrations of nano-hydroxyapatite (1%, 5%, 10% and 15% wt%) were selected as the treatment agents. Surface microhardness (SMH) measurements were performed before/after demineralization and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 days of application, and the percentage surface microhardness recovery (%SMHR) was calculated. The specimens were then examined by a scanning electron microscope. The %SMHR in nano-hydroxyapatite groups was significantly greater than that of negative control. When the concentration of nano-HA was under 10%, SMH and %SMHR increased with increasing nano-hydroxyapatite concentrations. There were no significant differences between the 10% and 15% groups at different time periods in the pH-cycling. The SEM analysis showed that nano-hydroxyapatite particles were regularly deposited on the cellular structure of the demineralized enamel surface, which appeared to form new surface layers. It was concluded that nano-hydroxyapatite had the potential to remineralize initial enamel lesions. A concentration of 10% nano-hydroxyapatite may be optimal for remineralization of early enamel caries.
TL;DR: A large meta-analysis of 36 studies examining the association of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with polymorphisms in the TCF7L2 gene indicates a multiplicative genetic model for all the four polymorphisms, as well as suggests the TCFs involved in near 1/5 of all T2MD.
Abstract: Transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) has been shown to be associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2MD) in multiple ethnic groups in the past two years, but, contradictory results were reported for Chinese and Pima Indian populations. The authors then performed a large meta-analysis of 36 studies examining the association of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with polymorphisms in the TCF7L2 gene in various ethnicities, containing rs7903146 C-to-T (IVS3C>T), rs7901695 T-to-C (IVS3T>C), a rs12255372 G-to-T (IVS4G>T), and rs11196205 G-to-C (IVS4G>C) polymorphisms and to evaluate the size of gene effect and the possible genetic mode of action. Literature-based searching was conducted to collect data and three methods, that is, fixed-effects, random-effects and Bayesian multivariate mete-analysis, were performed to pool the odds ratio (OR). Publication bias and study-between heterogeneity were also examined. The studies included 35,843 cases of T2DM and 39,123 controls, using mainly primary data. For T2DM and IVS3C>T polymorphism, the Bayesian OR for TT homozygotes and TC heterozygotes versus CC homozygote was 1.968 (95% credible interval (CrI): 1.790, 2.157), 1.406 (95% CrI: 1.341, 1.476), respectively, and the population attributable risk (PAR) for the TT/TC genotypes of this variant is 16.9% for overall. For T2DM and IVS4G>T polymorphism, TT homozygotes and TG heterozygotes versus GG homozygote was 1.885 (95%CrI: 1.698, 2.088), 1.360 (95% CrI: 1.291, 1.433), respectively. Four ORs among these two polymorphisms all yielded significant between-study heterogeneity (P 0.10). Pooled ORs fit a codominant, multiplicative genetic model for all the four polymorphisms of TCF7L2 gene, and this model was also confirmed in different ethnic populations when stratification of IVS3C>T and IVS4G>T polymorphisms except for Africans, where a dominant, additive genetic mode is suggested for IVS3C>T polymorphism. This meta-analysis demonstrates that four variants of TCF7L2 gene are all associated with T2DM, and indicates a multiplicative genetic model for all the four polymorphisms, as well as suggests the TCF7L2 gene involved in near 1/5 of all T2MD. Potential gene-gene and gene-environmental interactions by which common variants in the TCF7L2 gene influence the risk of T2MD need further exploration.
TL;DR: Volume loss was revealed in the right superior temporal gyrus, right middle temporal Gyrus, and right anterior cingulate gyrus among antipsychotic-naive first-episode schizophrenia patients and the functional networks involving the right inferior temporal g Cyrus and middle temporalGyrus were associated with clinical symptom severity and abnormalities in resting state connectivity with regions of identified gray matter deficits.
Abstract: Objective: The purpose of the present study was to characterize the association between clinical symptoms and anatomical and functional cerebral deficits in a relatively large sample of antipsychoticnaive first-episode schizophrenia patients using optimized voxel-based morphometry and resting state functional connectivity analysis. Method: Participants were 68 antipsychotic-naive first-episode schizophrenia patients and 68 matched healthy comparison subjects. Both patients and healthy comparison subjects were scanned using a volumetric three-dimensional spoiled gradient recall sequence and a gradient-echo echo-planar imaging sequence. Psychopathology of first-episode schizophrenia patients was evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Optimized voxelbased morphometry was used to characterize gray matter deficits in schizophrenia patients. The clinical significance of regional volume reduction was investigated by examining its association with symptoms in patients with first-episode schizophrenia and with alterations in resting state functional connectivity when brain regions with gray matter volume reduction were used as seed areas. Results: Significantly decreased gray matter volume was observed in schizophrenia patients in the right superior temporal gyrus (Brodmann’s area 41), right middle temporal gyrus (Brodmann’s area 21), and right anterior cingulate gyrus (Brodmann’s area 32). Decreased gray matter volume in these brain regions was related to greater disturbance as shown on PANSS scores for positive symptoms, general psychopathology symptoms,
TL;DR: In this paper, an integrated artificial neural networks (ANN) with genetic algorithms (GAs) is proposed to optimize the multi-objectives of material selection to get more sustainable products, not only technical and economic factors, but also environmental factors should be considered.
TL;DR: Functional chitosan displayed outstanding adsorption ability for phenols, and to the authors' surprise, CS-CD exhibited specific adsorbent ability for p-chlorophenol.
TL;DR: In both subcutaneous and orthotopic intraperitoneal murine models of ovarian cancer, PTX-PEG(5k)-CA(8) NPs achieved superior toxicity profiles and anti-tumor effects compared to Taxol and Abraxane at equivalent PTX doses, which were attributed to their preferential tumor accumulation, and deep penetration into tumor tissue, as confirmed by near infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging.
TL;DR: In this paper, a central composite design combined with response surface methodology was used to optimise ultrasonic-assisted extraction for flavonoids-enriched extract from Folium eucommiae.
TL;DR: It is speculated that PLGANPs simultaneously loaded with anticancer drug and chemosensitizer might be the most potential formulation in the treatment of drug resistant cancers in vivo.
TL;DR: The research group has reported that modified cinchona alkaloids are outstanding catalysts for the asymmetric allylic alkylation of a,a-dicyanoolefins with MBH carbonates and the deprotonation of the acidic NH group of the MBH base.
Abstract: The indole framework represents a key structural motif in a large number of biologically active natural products and pharmaceutical compounds. Consequently, modifications on the indole structure, including the development of enantioselective variants, have triggered increasing interests. Because of the inherent nucleophilic characteristics of indole compounds, their reactions preferentially take place at the C3-position of the ring system. As a result, the majority of enantioselective reactions of indoles focus on the C3-selective addition of electron-rich indoles to electrophilic imines, epoxides, carbonyl compounds, a,b-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, and nitroalkenes etc., thus leading to the formation of diversely structured enantioenriched C3-functionalized indole derivatives. Recently, the enantioselective synthesis of C2-substituted indoles has also been realized through the asymmetric alkylation of 4,7-dihydroindoles and subsequent oxidation. In sharp contrast to the progress in enantioselective alkylation at the C3or C2-positions, the asymmetric Nalkylation of indoles has been underdeveloped: probably because of the privileged C3-chemoselectivity of indole compounds. The limited examples include the palladiumcatalyzed N-allylic alkylation of 3-substituted indoles developed by Trost et al. and the enantioselective intramolecular aza-Michael addition of tethered indole-2-carboxylates under chiral phase-transfer catalysis developed by Bandini et al. Indeed, N-alkylated indoles have been applied as useful intermediates for the synthesis of polyheterocycles and occur widely among natural products and biologically active pharmaceuticals (Scheme 1). For example, mitomycin C exhibits potent antitumour activity and is used clinically in the treatment of certain cancers. Yuremamine, which was recently isolated from the stem bark of Mimosa hostilis, shows hallucinogenic and psychoactive effects. Pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinoline derivatives are active antihistamines and inhibitors of leukotriene, and they offer the possibility of a novel multimediator approach to the treatment of allergic diseases. Therefore, it would be extremely desirable to develop effective protocols to access optically pure N-alkylated indoles. Recently, the allylic alkylation of Morita-Baylis–Hillman (MBH) adducts catalyzed by a metal-free organic Lewis base has emerged as an attractive strategy to prepare multifunctional compounds. Our research group has also reported that modified cinchona alkaloids are outstanding catalysts for the asymmetric allylic alkylation of a,a-dicyanoolefins with MBH carbonates. We anticipated that, as outlined in Scheme 2, the deprotonation of the acidic NH group of the